Laure sisters Eya and EJ lead Chery Tiggo in five-set win over Akari in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Sisters EJ and Eya Laure relished playing a stellar game together but still credited the whole Chery Tiggo team for their thrilling five-set win over Akari in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
Eya, who dropped a game-high 19 points including the crucial hits in the fifth set to book the Crossovers’ first Pool A win to improve to a 1-1 record, is thrilled to finally share the court with her elder sister after their team up with University of Santo Tomas in 2020 was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m grateful that I am finally sharing the court with Ate EJ after how many years. It feels good to be with her and makes the job easier,” said the younger Laure in Filipino after their 25-18, 22-25, 25-19, 17-25, 15-7 win.
But the PVL rookie still attributed their maiden win to her teammates led by Mylene Paat, who suffered from cramps, as well as fellow newcomers Imee Hernandez and Cess Robles providing quality contributions.
“It’s easier for us because of the confidence and support given to us by our teammates. You commit an error or create a point, they show the same support,” Eya added.
EJ, who had 15 points and 11 digs, agreed with her younger sister.
“We’re not the only ones who played well. Everyone did a great job,” said the elder Laure in Filipino. “Our preparations for this season weren’t easy because we went through a lot. We’re thankful that everyone remained committed.”
With a 1-1 record in Pool A, Chery Tiggo has to win its remaining games to reach the semifinal round, where only the top two teams from each group will advance and join Japanese squad Kurashiki Ablaze and Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh.
Eya is staying patient with their team’s progress.
“Win or lose, I’m happy with the progress of our team. Knowing that most of us are new. Personally, I can see our improvement. I’m happy especially that we won, our training paid off,” she said.
Chery Tiggo eyes its second win against Gerflor on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.